Evolution & Classification

Natural selection could not occur without...

• genetic variation in species
• stable environments
• competition for unlimited resources
• gradual warming of the Earth

Use the cladogram to determine which of the following organisms is most closely related to the dog?

• cat
• frog
• fish
• fly

An inherited characteristic that increases an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its specific environment is called a(n)...

• homologous structure
• vestigial organ
• adaptation
• speciation

When farmers select the largest hogs, the fastest horses, or the cows that produce the most milk for breeding it is called...

• natural selection
• artificial selection
• survival of the fittest
• homologous variation

Refer to the illustration.  The similarity of these structures is one from of evidence that the organisms...

• share a common ancestor
• all grow at different rates
• evolved instantaneously
• live for a long time

Natural selection is the process by which...

• the age of selected fossils is calculated
• organisms with traits well suited to their environment survive and reproduce more successfully than organisms less suited to the same environment
• acquired traits are passed on from one generation to the next
• all answers are correct

How do fossils demonstrate evidence of evolution?

• They show that ancient species share similarities with species now on Earth
• They show evidence of species that are not extinct
• They are the primary source of evidence of natural selection
• Fossils reveal that many species have remained unchanged for millions of years

The scientific name for an organism comes from its _____.

• class and phylum

• family and species

• kingdom and phylum

• genus and species

What is a tool that is used to identify organisms and that consists of paired statements?

• Cladogram

• Dichotomous Key

• Map

• Fossil Record

Structures with the same parts have different functions; suggests that organisms share a common ancestry

• vestigial structures
• homologous structures
• adaptive radiation
• fossil